Out In The Mountains : News - UVM to Sponsor LGBT Aging Conference

UVM to Sponsor LGBT Aging Conference in April
Photo of Jennifer and Fiona

Jennifer Mamary (L) and Prof. Fiona Patterson

      Professor Fiona Patterson, DSW, ACSW, of UVM's Department of Social Work, and graduate student Jennifer Mamary are heading up an effort to bring together social workers and social work students with members of the LGBTQ communities who are dealing with aging. The conference is planned for April 30, 2004.
       According to a press release, the purpose is to "add knowledge and sensitivity to the relationship between LGBT elders and members of the human services profession."
       The impetus for the conference is that there is the opportunity for a multitude of misunderstandings between social workers and LGBT elders. "The needs of LGBT elders are misunderstood when these individuals enter hospitals and other care facilities," was one example cited. The conference is co-sponsored by UVM's Department of Social Work and RU12? Community Center will be partially funded by a grant from the Hartford Foundation and the Council on Social Work Education "to infuse aging into its curriculum."
       According to the conference planners – including students in the Department of Social Work, Vermont queer elders, and a representative from the R.U.1.2? – the event will include a keynote speaker and other professionals with experience in this field, yet to be named as of press time.
      For additional information contact Professor Fiona Patterson at 802-656-9657, or email fpatters@uvm.edu, or watch for a more detailed information in the April issue of Out in the Mountains.